PJM Interconnection

PJM Interconnection is the largest grid operator in the U.S., overseeing the reliability of the electric grid and managing electricity supply and demand across multiple states.

CCI Score

-23.39

0.10% May 31

Latest Event

PJM Resists Reform of Its Interconnection Process

Environmental and clean energy groups filed objections with FERC against PJM Interconnection's proposal to largely maintain its existing interconnection process, arguing that it fails to comply with several key requirements of FERC Order 2023. Critics noted the outdated 480‐day study process and overly broad exemptions that could undermine regulatory standards and increase costs for ratepayers.

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ACCOMPLICE

PJM Interconnection is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

JUN

24

2024

PJM Resists Reform of Its Interconnection Process
-32.38

Environmental and clean energy groups filed objections with FERC against PJM Interconnection's proposal to largely maintain its existing interconnection process, arguing that it fails to comply with several key requirements of FERC Order 2023. Critics noted the outdated 480‐day study process and overly broad exemptions that could undermine regulatory standards and increase costs for ratepayers.
-40

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 8

PJM's plan to largely retain its non-compliant interconnection process disregards established environmental and regulatory standards, reflecting poor business practices and ethical responsibility by ignoring updated FERC requirements. This approach potentially jeopardizes consumer interests and undermines improvements essential for a clean energy transition.

Clean energy, environmental groups urge FERC to reject PJM grid interconnection plan
-30

Regulatory Capture

April 8

PJM’s request for exemptions and an 'independent entity variation' to avoid fully implementing FERC’s updated guidelines is indicative of regulatory capture. This approach prioritizes the company's interests over transparent regulatory accountability, which can ultimately harm ratepayers and hinder progress towards a modern, efficient grid.

Clean energy, environmental groups urge FERC to reject PJM grid interconnection plan
DEC

31

2023

PJM Annual Report Signals Progress in Grid Modernization and Renewable Integration
35.14

The 2023 Annual Report details PJM's reformed interconnection process, introduction of a geospatial public Queue Scope tool, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration with state agencies to accelerate renewable integration and maintain grid reliability.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

April 8

PJM's extensive stakeholder engagement and transparent planning measures—in coordination with state agencies—support democratic governance and public accountability, strengthening public and political behavior in the sector.

PJM 2023 Annual Report
+50

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 8

The report demonstrates robust business practices through reforms in PJM's interconnection process that streamline the integration of renewable projects, reflecting ethical responsibility and a commitment to sustainable energy transition.

PJM 2023 Annual Report
+40

Technology and Services Impact

April 8

The introduction of a geospatial version of the Queue Scope tool integrated with the PJM system map enhances public access to planning data, representing a positive technological impact and increased transparency in service delivery.

PJM 2023 Annual Report
+30

Economic and Structural Influence

April 8

PJM’s planning efforts, including long-term regional transmission upgrades and addressing system load growth, reflect proactive economic and structural measures to ensure grid reliability and support the energy transition.

PJM 2023 Annual Report
OCT

01

2023

Undisclosed Political Contributions and Lobbying
-67.71

PJM Interconnection is accused of channeling customer bill revenues to fund campaign donations and lobbying efforts without disclosure to FERC, raising concerns over transparency and democratic accountability.
-80

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 8

The article reveals that PJM Interconnection spent hundreds of thousands on campaign contributions and millions on lobbying, allegedly using consumer bills to finance these activities without proper disclosure to FERC. This lack of transparency in political spending undermines democratic processes and accountability, aligning with concerns over corporate complicity in political corruption and potential authoritarian influence.

Country’s Largest Grid Operator May Be Using Americans’ Monthly Bills to Fund Campaign Donations
FEB

21

2018

PJM Accused of Violating FPA via Political Contributions and Lobbying
-22.21

Public Citizen has accused PJM Interconnection of misusing funds from its member companies by making nearly $500,000 in political contributions to both the Democratic Governors Association and Republican Governors Association since 2007, and further raised concerns over undisclosed lobbying expenditures. The complaint alleges that these actions violate the Federal Power Act's requirement for just and reasonable electricity rates.
-50

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 8

PJM is accused of channeling nearly $500,000 in funds, originally collected from electricity ratepayers, into political contributions to PACs. This alleged misuse of funds undermines transparency and sidesteps regulatory requirements as mandated by the Federal Power Act, raising serious concerns about corporate influence on political processes.

Public Citizen says PJM violated FPA with political contributions
-40

Regulatory Capture

April 8

In addition to the political contributions, PJM is further criticized for allegedly channeling millions in lobbying expenditures through multiple firms without proper disclosure to regulators or stakeholders, indicating potential regulatory capture and a lack of accountability.

Public Citizen says PJM violated FPA with political contributions
MAY

31

2017

Emails Expose PJM Interconnection's Lobbying and Political Practices
-29.80

Internal emails obtained by the Energy and Policy Institute reveal PJM Interconnection's active lobbying efforts and coordinated political contributions, including communications with state lawmakers and undisclosed lobbying expenditures. The documents detail efforts to influence legislative proposals related to market reforms that could lead to increased electricity bills and potential 'stealth' bailouts for coal and nuclear plants.
-80

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 8

PJM’s internal emails reveal extensive lobbying and political contributions, including at least $456,500 in donations to bipartisan governors associations and the use of multiple undisclosed lobbying firms. These actions compromise transparency and democratic accountability, aligning with authoritarian influence and undermining stakeholder trust.

Emails shed light on discussions lobbyists for grid operator PJM Interconnection had with federal and state policymakers
-50

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 8

PJM’s advocacy for market reforms, which includes proposals that may lead to increased electricity bills for millions and prop up uneconomic coal and nuclear plants, demonstrates a prioritization of corporate interests over consumer protection and ethical business practices.

Emails shed light on discussions lobbyists for grid operator PJM Interconnection had with federal and state policymakers